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on her voyage until, on the morning of the 17th of July she was wrecked on the rock or reef above described. For seven days previously the vessel had been sailing on dead reckoning, as the weather was hazy and no sights were obtainable. Captain Prideaux, above referred to, reported to me that the island is uncharted and surroun- ded by dangerous reefs, and that the "Nanshan" under Steam experienced a set of the current, on her way there and back, of fifty miles in thirty three hours.
The "West York" was owned by the Hongkong Shipping and Trading Company and was, I understand, not insured. Under the above circumstances, there being no reason to suspect the Master or Mate of neglect or carelessness, I did not deem it necessary to summon a Naval Court to further enquire into the casualty. the
I have &c.,
(Sd) W.J. Kennedy.